You had a great pep rally for W on the other thread, but...

[notyetretired]

My question to this is why do you feel this way?

Because I feel that it is the job of the US government to act first and foremost in the interest of the United States of America, and that the interests of France, Germany, or any other nation must take a back seat to that.

If they're on the same page with us, let them follow our lead. If they're not willing to back us up, well, then, they're not very good allies in the first place, are they? We've never hesitated to come to their aid in their time of need, yet when they abandon us in our time of need we're supposed to back down and put their interests ahead of our own? I don't think so.

That's one of the many reasons I support Bush. Because he not only recognizes who our true allies are, he doesn't refer to them as a "coalition of the bribed and coerced" (which is exactly what France and Germany were when it comes to Saddam), or insult them as an insignificant farce. This point really irks me about Kerry. Out of one side of his mouth he says he'll rebuild alliances, while at out of the other he ridicules the nations who actually stood by our side and acted as true allies should. This is NOT the way I want my country's foreign policy to be run.

I want someone who will negotiate from a position of strength, not weakness. That's not fear, it's just plain common sense street smarts.

 

[Kendra17]

Originally posted by septbride2002
Ya know I can't say anything bad about Laura Bush. She is a true lady, one that can be respected and admired.

Just because Mrs. Heinz-Kerry is a different kind of person does not mean that she is not a good person. Mrs. Heinz-Kerry is someone that I can respect, she is a woman with a good head for business, who doesn't let herself be pushed around in a man's world, who holds her head high and states her opinion. And while she may not be demure like Laura Bush - she is not a bad leader and I think young woman in the business world can learn alot from her. She can also be respected and admired.

~Amanda

Good, then vote for Kerry. I don't think saying "shove it" to a reporter who asked her for clarification is reason to respect someone, but if you admire that kind of thing. . .

 

[Disney Enthusiast]

Originally posted by septbride2002
I didn't realize that asking someone to look at something another way was trying turn this discussion into a debate?

The person I was quoting said, "I really don't care what other countries think of us. I would much rather my President act proactively to save lives than to wait until something happens again, and then act. If it makes Germany and France and every other country out there angry, then so be it. They'll have to get over it. But our safety comes first and foremost in the President's eyes, and I love that he doesn't sell out to be well liked and popular. "

My question to this is why do you feel this way?


~Amanda

Because I don't want to die....... I mean it's as simple as that. I want to protect my family, I want to protect my friends, I want to protect the rest of our country so I don't have to hear about any more victims of 9/11. My heart broke in a million pieces for the widows and orphans of that tragic day and I don't want that to happen again.

Let me put it more simply. If a certain man tried to rape and kill me and I fought back and he went away. I was battered and hurt, but I lived. He happens to be the captain of a really good football team and the other football players tell me to let it go or they won't invite me to the next party.

Then I see this same guy enter my home a week later. I know who he is, I know what he is going to do, but my "friends" tell me to back off or they won't be my "friends" anymore. What do I do?
He has me cornered in my own home so I can't run. Do I wait for him to rip my clothes off again and beat me up a bit so I am sure he is going to rape me first?

No. I'll take him out so fast he won't know what hit him. Now let's pretend that same guy was going to attack my dear friend, or my kids, or let's say someone I never met. What would I do? The exact same thing.

The terrorists are scattered and running from us. If France and Germany don't like it, they are not our friends.

PS Russia is now joining the hunt for terrorists because of their tragic day at the school. France is surprised that their journalists were kidnapped when they were against the war. Little by little, the other countries will find out that none of us are safe. When someone has no love of life, talking to them will not help. We have many allies now, and we shouldn't discount them.

 

[septbride2002]

The premise is that to win the war on terror in any lasting and meaningful way it is at least as important to change the political landscape in the middle east as it is to catch one guy, mastermind or not. It is perfectly legitimate to think that the approach is wrong. But to say that there is no link between the necessity to go to Iraq and what happened on 9/11 is, IMO, not to see the war or terror for what it is.

Galahad you continue to impress me. Thank you for taking the time to answer my question without resorting to sarcasm (yes Kendra I'm talking to you). I don't necessarily believe that the approach is wrong but I would like to see more of an effort to capture Bin Ladin. JMHO.

Kendra - I continue to just laugh at you.

Good, then vote for Kerry. I don't think saying "shove it" to a reporter who asked her for clarification is reason to respect someone, but if you admire that kind of thing. . .

Yes because of that one incident I should write Ms. Kerry off by your way of thinking. Rather then just saying "Wow she kinda lost her cool." Using your way of thinking I should write of Cheney completely since he used the F-word on the floor of congress.

~Amanda

 

[100%Disney]

Well if we were attacked by Korea. I truly don't worry about France or Germany backing us if that happens, if they feel that it's in their best interest they will. One of our best allies has always been England and I'm sure we could count on them and Austrailia and Japan and Turkey and, well we have allies.

 

[Disney Enthusiast]

Originally posted by notyetretired
Because I feel that it is the job of the US government to act first and foremost in the interest of the United States of America, and that the interests of France, Germany, or any other nation must take a back seat to that.

If they're on the same page with us, let them follow our lead. If they're not willing to back us up, well, then, they're not very good allies in the first place, are they? We've never hesitated to come to their aid in their time of need, yet when they abandon us in our time of need we're supposed to back down and put their interests ahead of our own? I don't think so.

That's one of the many reasons I support Bush. Because he not only recognizes who our true allies are, he doesn't refer to them as a "coalition of the bribed and coerced" (which is exactly what France and Germany were when it comes to Saddam), or insult them as an insignificant farce. This point really irks me about Kerry. Out of one side of his mouth he says he'll rebuild alliances, while at out of the other he ridicules the nations who actually stood by our side and acted as true allies should. This is NOT the way I want my country's foreign policy to be run.

I want someone who will negotiate from a position of strength, not weakness. That's not fear, it's just plain common sense street smarts.

Very well said and ITA.

 

[septbride2002]

Brigette - thank you for your answer. I can tell that it came honestly and from the heart.

I guess I just worry without our friends that we put ourselves in even more danger. And while your rape example is heart-wrenching I think it over simplifies something that is not simple. Neither of us is wrong or right - just two different points of view.

~Amanda

 

[AllyandJack]

Originally posted by septbride2002
Kendra - I continue to just laugh at you. Yes because of that one incident I should write Ms. Kerry off by your way of thinking. Rather then just saying "Wow she kinda lost her cool." Using your way of thinking I should write of Cheney completely since he used the F-word on the floor of congress.

~Amanda

It's more than just the "shove it" incident. She called anyone who disagrees with her husband an idiot. So, I have no respect for her. At least the "shove it" thing was directed to someone annoying her. This idiot remark was directed toward a large chunk of people - me included - just because we don't agree with her and her husband. Nice attitude.

 

[Kendra17]

Originally posted by septbride2002
Galahad you continue to impress me. Thank you for taking the time to answer my question without resorting to sarcasm (yes Kendra I'm talking to you). I don't necessarily believe that the approach is wrong but I would like to see more of an effort to capture Bin Ladin. JMHO.

Kendra - I continue to just laugh at you. Yes because of that one incident I should write Ms. Kerry off by your way of thinking. Rather then just saying "Wow she kinda lost her cool." Using your way of thinking I should write of Cheney completely since he used the F-word on the floor of congress.

~Amanda

Amanda, I regret that I used the sarcasm; I'm sorry. I meant it to come off as a joke, but recognize that it came off sarcastic instead.
It's not the one thing i mentioned. It's what Galahad mentioned, too. It's fighting in public. It's those KINDS of things. It's the way the Bushes conduct themselves in public.

As I've said before, that isn't the defining issue for me. It's the whole picture. But, that behavior enhances the other reasons I've mentioned. (Look at Al and Tipper Gore. If he were running, I would not vote for him in this election, yet they reportedly have a wonderful marriage.)

I do think Cheney's use of the 'f' word was an honest mistake. I think Kerry's use of the "f" word was an attempt to relate to his audience. This is just my opinion, but it's based on the context in which the word was used.

Again, Amanda, I am sorry. I didn't mean to sound antagonistic.

 

[auntpolly]

Personally, I don't think that liking or disliking a first lady is a very good reason to like or dislike a potential administration.

I admire very much most of your thoughtful replies and I am glad to have insight into why people support Bush. But when the criticism is a catty comment about Teresa, I just tend to think they are a petty person and discount everything else they've said.

Carry on! Thanks for all your insight!

 

[Disney Enthusiast]

Originally posted by septbride2002
Brigette - thank you for your answer. I can tell that it came honestly and from the heart.

I guess I just worry without our friends that we put ourselves in even more danger. And while your rape example is heart-wrenching I think it over simplifies something that is not simple. Neither of us is wrong or right - just two different points of view.

~Amanda

You're welcome. It all comes down to the basics for me. I hope I was able to give a little of my perspective. It was nice having this civil discussion w/ you.

 

[Disney Enthusiast]

Originally posted by Galahad
It's really fairly simple....but you have to accept a premise that I don't think you will agree with.

The premise is that to win the war on terror in any lasting and meaningful way it is at least as important to change the political landscape in the middle east as it is to catch one guy, mastermind or not. It is perfectly legitimate to think that the approach is wrong. But to say that there is no link between the necessity to go to Iraq and what happened on 9/11 is, IMO, not to see the war or terror for what it is.

Personally, I wish the people would frame the argument as a disagreement over the nature of the war on terror rather than an argument over the intentions or those trying to fight it.

Very well said. And I agree w/ you wholeheartedly.

 

[ead79]

Here are my main reasons for voting for President Bush:

1. His stances on several issues that are important to me are the same as my own. For instance, I am pro-life, pro-capital punishment, etc.

2. I believe that he has done a good job dealing with terrorism and threats of terrorism. While the battle with terrorists will never end , I appreciate his resolve and his handling of the situation. We still have a ways to go, and I think he is the most qualified to lead our country when it comes to terrorism.

3. I approve of the way he is handling the economy. I appreciated the tax cuts and the refund that was issued. I think he has done a good job rebuilding/stimulating the economy after 9/11.

4. I value the fact that he does what he thinks is best for our country with or without UN approval. I can see how others might disagree with this, but I personally think that we should focus on doing what we believe is right, even when the UN disagrees. I don't mean that diplomacy isn't important, just that sometimes we must do what we feel is right without full UN support.

5. I sincerely believe that he is the right man for the job at this time.

 

[AllyandJack]

Originally posted by auntpolly
But when the criticism is a catty comment about Teresa, I just tend to think they are a petty person and discount everything else they've said.

Well, there would have to be SOME reason, wouldn't there?

Honestly....just because I commented on Teresa (and I don't think I was being catty...she called me an idiot, I can say I don't like her) doesn't make my points for voting for Bush less valid.

 

[Kendra17]

Originally posted by auntpolly
Personally, I don't think that liking or disliking a first lady is a very good reason to like or dislike a potential administration.

I admire very much most of your thoughtful replies and I am glad to have insight into why people support Bush. But when the criticism is a catty comment about Teresa, I just tend to think they are a petty person and discount everything else they've said.

Carry on! Thanks for all your insight!

You meant me! I am sorry for that remark. . .it really was meant to be humorous, not sarcastic. . . this is a pleasant thread. . .I don't want to responsible for changing the tone.

I do think the comments regarding Teresa, however, are valid, whether one agrees or not.

It's an extra added benefit to have a first lady that does not chew out reporters that are from offending newspapers, or call those that disagree idiots. There are more diplomatic ways to phrase those opinions. Or, she could have apologized. The fact that all the Democrats rushed to her side after the offending remark was made, just made it worse, imo. Hilary said, "you go girl!" for instance. It would have been easy to dismiss if Teresa would have said, "gee, I was tired. I apologize". It would be a nonissue.

 

[AllyandJack]

Originally posted by Kendra17
You meant me! I am sorry for that remark. . .it really was meant to be humorous, not sarcastic. . . this is a pleasant thread. . .I don't want to responsible for changing the tone.

I do think the comments regarding Teresa, however, are valid, whether one agrees or not.

It's an extra added benefit to have a first lady that does not chew out reporters that are from offending newspapers, or call those that disagree idiots. There are more diplomatic ways to phrase those opinions. Or, she could have apologized. The fact that all the Democrats rushed to her side after the offending remark was made, just made it worse, imo. Hilary said, "you go girl!" for instance. It would have been easy to dismiss if Teresa would have said, "gee, I was tired. I apologize". It would be a nonissue.

I think she might have meant me, too, so don't feel too bad, Kendra! I completely agree about apologizing. We've all lost our temper and told someone to shove it or get lost or whatever. It's the idiot thing that got me. It's completely inappropriate.

 

[auntpolly]

Originally posted by AllyandJack
Well, there would have to be SOME reason, wouldn't there?

Honestly....just because I commented on Teresa (and I don't think I was being catty...she called me an idiot, I can say I don't like her) doesn't make my points for voting for Bush less valid.

Here's my point -- I want to know what Bush has done or you feel he will do that makes you want to cast your vote for him. Personally, I think not liking Teresa is not an answer to this question. And sorry, I think it's catty when we criticize women for behavior that we allow (or even praise) in men every day of the year.

 

[AllyandJack]

Originally posted by auntpolly
Here's my point -- I want to know what Bush has done or you feel he will do that makes you want to cast your vote for him. Personally, I think not liking Teresa is not an answer to this question. And sorry, I think it's catty when we criticize women for behavior that we allow (or even praise) in men every day of the year.

I wasn't critizing her for telling the guy to shove it. I was criticizing her for the idiot remark. I'd be angry if a guy said it, too. It's inappropriate.

Personally, there are a few people I'd like to tell to shove it when I ride the commuter rail in the morning.

 

[beattyfamily]

Originally posted by septbride2002
Yes because of that one incident I should write Ms. Kerry off by your way of thinking. Rather then just saying "Wow she kinda lost her cool." Using your way of thinking I should write of Cheney completely since he used the F-word on the floor of congress.

For me anyway, it's not just that one crass and unprofessional comment to a reporter. It's many many things she's said over the years as Kerry's wife, and being from MA, I'll bet I've seen more than some here. Wonder why we haven't seen her in several weeks? I think I know why.

Here's another example:

Article

This story is about when she passed out buttons with "A**es of Evil" with pictures of Bush, Cheney and Rumsfeld on it.

I don't base my vote on the wife of a candidate but it certainly doesn't help Kerry when she does stuff like this.

 

[WeirdEyes]

Originally posted by ead79
Here are my main reasons for voting for President Bush:

1. His stances on several issues that are important to me are the same as my own. For instance, I am pro-life, pro-capital punishment, etc.

2. I believe that he has done a good job dealing with terrorism and threats of terrorism. While the battle with terrorists will never end , I appreciate his resolve and his handling of the situation. We still have a ways to go, and I think he is the most qualified to lead our country when it comes to terrorism.

3. I approve of the way he is handling the economy. I appreciated the tax cuts and the refund that was issued. I think he has done a good job rebuilding/stimulating the economy after 9/11.

4. I value the fact that he does what he thinks is best for our country with or without UN approval. I can see how others might disagree with this, but I personally think that we should focus on doing what we believe is right, even when the UN disagrees. I don't mean that diplomacy isn't important, just that sometimes we must do what we feel is right without full UN support.

5. I sincerely believe that he is the right man for the job at this time.

Elizabeth, you have given a lot of my reasons why I will be voting again for President George W. Bush. Now, I don't have to type them all out again. Thanks!